Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Albany, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have emerged as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains long-term drug and alcohol records by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. If obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month period of detection for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, reasonably challenging to tamper with, and effortless to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil in size) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into a lab’s system. This includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening includes an initial rapid check for drug misuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be admissible in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is initially positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (for example, urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is regarded as the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as essential. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a reduced detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: It's quite challenging to fake a hair drug test, ensuring results are more precise.
• Offers historical data: It provides a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to be identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Albany, OH
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing in detecting drug use are significantly enhanced. Hair tests can identify drug use over an extended period, making them particularly useful for organizations committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in New Albany, OH
Hair follicle testing allows employers and authorities to detect drug use up to 90 days prior to the test, offering a detailed overview of an individual's substance history. This extended detection period is vital for making informed decisions regarding potential hires and monitoring ongoing compliance within the workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Albany, OH
The hair follicle testing method is highly resistant to tampering, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures the test results are dependable and beyond dispute, a critical feature for legal and employment-related testing where reliability is paramount.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New Albany, OH
Our expansive network of testing facilities, including those in and around New Albany, OH, ensures easy access to testing services. This national reach guarantees a hassle-free and prompt testing process, providing individuals and businesses alike with the convenience they need.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in New Albany, OH
The process of hair follicle testing is streamlined and maintains confidentiality. Ordering, performing, and receiving test results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring that individuals experience a seamless journey from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Albany, OH
We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, making it accessible for businesses of all scales. By choosing our services, companies benefit from exceptional value and efficient service delivery, ensuring budget-friendly yet reliable testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Albany, OH
Hair follicle drug testing is valued for its precision and swift results compared to other methods. The accuracy in monitoring substance use is unrivaled, ensuring fast detection of drugs with reliable outcomes. This testing method guarantees employers and institutions quick and trustworthy results that inform their decisions effectively.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Albany, OH
Employers gain peace of mind and ensure regulatory compliance by opting for hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies and helps mitigate legal risks, ultimately contributing to a safer and more productive work environment.

Drug Testing Near New Albany, OH

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